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Baku

Discover Baku

Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, sits on the Caspian Sea, bridging the gap between Eastern Europe and West Asia. The medieval walled city, once a Persian capital, is home to the spectacular 15th-century Palace of the Shirvanshahs. However, the modern skyscrapers that fill the skyline remind you that this is a vibrant modern city, too.

Once part of the Soviet Union, Baku is now a thriving, dynamic and creative city. The oil boom in the 19th century has seen it grow from strength to strength. In recognition, it was appointed to host the Eurovision contest and more recently the Grand Prix of Europe.

Baku is changing quickly and is a perfect blend between the West and the East. Visitors can feast their eyes on the illuminated architecturally-rich buildings and pedestrianised streets packed with shops and boutiques. Today many modern towers have replaced the old apartment blocks, bringing a fresh, new look to the city. The city has a population of around 2.2 million and is welcoming more and more visitors every year.

Essential Facts

Time

13:48

Date

6/7/2020

Time Zone

+04:00

Weather

29°C

Language

Azeri

Currency

Azerbaijani Manat

Electricity

220v/50Hz

Best Time To Visit

July

Things To Do

Flame Towers

The three, blue-hued glass towers range from 28 to 33 storeys and are a stunning sight at night. The interplay of cascading water, fire and the colours of the national flag is a dramatic show well worth filming.

Little Venice

These charming waterways along the Boulevard come as a total surprise. They resemble Venice with its arched bridges and ancient colonnades.

Maiden’s Tower

Another must-see is the Maiden’s Tower, which reaches 29m up into Baku’s skyline. Climb it to enjoy beautiful views over the bay and old city. Although its origins date back many centuries, the existing construction is said to be from the 12th century.

Shopping

A great starting point is Torgovaya (or Trade Street). This is a popular shopping area with its quirky street chandeliers. From here you can move on to the shopping centres and exclusive boutiques in the Bulvar district in particular Park Bulvar Mall, and Port Baku Mall. The latter is the largest Shopping Centre in the City. The 3-storeyed complex covers an area of 32,000 sq. metres, specialising in fashion and beauty products in the latest styles.

Looking for something authentically local? Check out the carpets, copperware, Azeri hats and traditional copperware sold at quaint shops. Be warned, however, that antique carpets cannot leave the country without special permission.

Put aside a few hours for a visit to the Old City and fill your shopping bag with cheap souvenirs. You’ll also find these in the underground shops beneath Fountains Square. Nizami Street is another place where you can definitely pick up traditional souvenirs.

Food And Drink

From fine dining to affordable street vendors, you’ll find plenty of choice if you're looking for good food in Baku. The local cuisine has many Iranian influences and kebab is very popular. You’ll also find restaurants serving international flavours and western-style fast-food outlets too.

You can find good middleweight restaurants serving value meals for AZN 10 or less. On a better level is Chinar, Baku’s popular fine-dining restaurant offering pan-Asian dishes. The Old City Restaurant near the southern gates to the old city, is quite modest in appearance but the food is exceptional (and award-winning).

If you want to go upmarket there are several swanky restaurants in the Marriott Absheron Hotel. There’s also the dining strip at the new Port. The large food court at Park Bulvar Mall serves as a perfect stop over on your day out shopping.

Things To Know

Visa Requirements

Most nationalities require a visa to enter Baku. Getting one usually requires a letter of invitation from an agency. Check out Baku Travel Services (www.azerbaijan24.com). Or get a letter from a business or personal contact in Baku. It usually takes one to three weeks to process.

Some embassies and consulates grant visas without invitation.

The other option is an e-visa which lets you apply for a visa without visiting an embassy. For more information visit: caravanistan.com/visa/azerbaijan.

Getting Around

It’s easy to get around the city using buses or the metro. On arrival at the airport, you can take Bus H1 into the train station in the city, which runs regularly throughout the day.

The metro links the Old City to Koroǧlu, Qara Qarayev and Neftçilər metro stations, each with bus connections to certain Abşeron towns. Fares are quite cheap, and you have the option to load prepaid credit onto to a smart card.

Baku also has Uber with some surprisingly low fares.

Travel Extras another 20% to your fare and ride in a posh ‘bizniz’ vehicle. They need to be pre-booked and will let you know the fare beforehand.

BakıKart is a prepaid card system purchased at metro stations and at certain bus stops. There are two versions of the card – a plastic one and a throwaway paper version.

If you choose to drive be extra cautious as traffic is heavy.

Explore on foot using the vast network of underground pedestrian walkways.

Due to international Laws, we will be unable to help you in case of issues with your passport or visa. So, kindly carry valid documents.

Our policies do not permit us to offer you any compensation if you are restricted from traveling.

Check-in counter for flights To/From Riyadh and Jeddah closes 1 hour before the scheduled time of departure.

Due to international Laws, we will be unable to help you in case of issues with your passport or visa. So, kindly carry valid documents.

Our policies do not permit us to offer you any compensation if you are restricted from traveling.

Check-in counter for flights To/From Riyadh and Jeddah closes 1 hour before the scheduled time of departure.

Due to international Laws, we will be unable to help you in case of issues with your passport or visa. So, kindly carry valid documents.

Our policies do not permit us to offer you any compensation if you are restricted from traveling.

Due to international Laws, we will be unable to help you in case of issues with your passport or visa. So, kindly carry valid documents.

Our policies do not permit us to offer you any compensation if you are restricted from traveling.

Check-in counter for flights To/From Riyadh and Jeddah closes 1 hour before the scheduled time of departure

Due to international Laws, we will be unable to help you in case of issues with your passport or visa. So, kindly carry valid documents.

Our policies do not permit us to offer you any compensation if you are restricted from traveling.

Due to international Laws, we will be unable to help you in case of issues with your passport or visa. So, kindly carry valid documents.

Our policies do not permit us to offer you any compensation if you are restricted from traveling.

Check-in counter for flights To/From Riyadh and Jeddah closes 1 hour before the scheduled time of departure.

Due to international Laws, we will be unable to help you in case of issues with your passport or visa. So, kindly carry valid documents.

Our policies do not permit us to offer you any compensation if you are restricted from traveling.

Visa to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for residents of Gulf CooperationCouncil (GCC)

Starting April 29, 2016. Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) residents(ie. non-citizens) traveling to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) no longer qualify for getting their visa on arrival.Instead, GCC residents who intend to travel to the UAE are now required to apply for their visa (now eVisa)online prior to their departure by following this link https://www.gdrfa.ae/GCCIND, and proceeding to the the category of "Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Residents"

Accompanying travelers (domestic workers) for GCC citizens are exempt from applying for an eVisaonline, for a limited time only. The GCC Residents sponsor must be traveling along with the traveler or they will not be approved.

Travelling GCC Residents will not be permitted to board an aircraft bound to the UAE if they do not provide their eVisa approval.

The 46 nationalities that are pre-approved for visas on arrival are exempt from applying for an eVisa online.

Non-GCC Spouses of GCC citizens are exempted from applying for an eVisa online, for a limited time only.

The GCC spouse must be traveling along with the traveler or they will not be approved.